Silo



YE. F. SCHLICHTER;

s am. 7 APPLICATION HLED APR- !4, I920.

UNITED STATES ENOS F. SCHLICHTER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

SILO.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed April 14, 1920. Serial No. 373,745.

To all to horn it may concern 1 Be it known that I, Enos F. SCHLICHTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at North Sixteenth street, city of Phila delphia, county of Philadelphia, State of ennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Silos, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to silos and similar structures involving the use of staves or blocks made of cement or other composition. The molded blocks are arranged in courses, the blocks having outwardly curved surfaces at one side edge of each of the same and correspondingly curved vertical recesses at the other side ends of the same, the convexly curved ends of the blocks fitting within the corresponding recesses of the adjoining blocks to form interlocking joints. The blocks of one course are interlocking with the blocks of the courses above and below the same by means of integral curved projections on the upper edges of the blocks which fit within correspondingly curved recesses extending upwardly from the lower surfaces of the blocks immediately above the same. y

The object of my invention is to improve the construction of devices of the character referred to, in various particulars. One of the features of my invention consists in providing forwardly and downwardly extend .ing horizontal flanges or lips on the blocks. These lips add to the strength of the con struction and are also so formed as to provide horizontal grooves beneath the same in which the hoops surrounding the silo are located. The hoops are thus protected against rust or deterioration. In the preferred form of my invention vertical flanges are also provided to extend forwardly from the ends of the blocks in which the vertical concave recesses areformed. Thesefianges stiifen'and strengthen the structure and also provide horizontal bearings on which the hoops are supported. Other features of my invention will appear more fully hereinafter in the following specification andappended claims. e v a ,In order that my invention may be more clearly understood attentionis hereby directed to the accompanying drawings forming part of this application and illustrating certain embodiments of my invention. In the drawingsFigure 1 represents a partial side elevation of silo constructed in ac cordance with my sents a top plan view of the portion of the construction illustrated in Fig. 1, considered as taken on the line 2-2 in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical section taken through a pair of blocks on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, Fig. l is an enlarged perspective view of one of the blocks which may he used for forming the bottom course of the silo, Fig. 5 is a similar view of one of the blocks which may be used in the course immediately above that in which the block shown in Fig. 4 is used, Fig. 6 1s a top plan view of a block such as that shown in Fig. 4 with a, portion of a hoop mounted in relation thereto, Fig. 7 is a perspective view-of a modified form of block having no vertical end flange, and Fig. 8 is a vertical section, similar to that shown in Fig. 3, taken through a pair of alined blocks of the character shown in Fig. 7.

Referring to the drawings the silo is formed of blocks or staves which are molded from cement or similar composition. As is shown in Figs. 1 to Ginclusive ofthe drawings, the bottom course maybe made up of blocks :of the character of thatshown at 1 in Fig. 4.. The next course above the bottom course may be made up of blocks of the character of that shown at. 1'.

All of the blocks in each horizontal course Patented Feb. 1, 1921.

invention, Fig. 2 repreform interlocking joints with each other.

Each block is provided at one end with a convexly curved surface 2 and each block is provided at its other end with a corresponding concavely curved verticalrecess 3.

. Blocks of one with the blocks of the courses immediately aboveand below the same. 1 Each block is formed with an upwardly extending curved projection t which preferably is of substantial main body of the block and which also preferably has a length, at its base, which comprises a substantial part of the length of the entire block. The upwardly ourvedprojeotions or ribs 4 are adapted to fit within correspondingly curved recesses 5 which are formed upwardly. from the bottom surfaces of all of the blocks except those which are used to form the bottom course ofthecon struction. Obviously,all of the blocks including those in the lower course, may be identical ifdesired, but there will, of course, be no function for recess 5 in blocks which are used at the bottom of the structure. All, or some, of the blocks are formed course are also interlocked height in relation to the height of the 1 I.

with integral horizontal lips or flanges 6 extending downwardly and forwardly from the front surfaces of the blocks. Also in the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 each of the blocks is formed with a vertical integral forwardly extending flange or projection 7 at the end of the block in which the concave vertical recess is formed. Each forwardly extending horizontal flange 6 curves downwardly and outwardly from a plane above the top of the recess 5 formed in the block. Each flange (3 extends from the base of the convex rib or tongue 2 at one end of the block to the vertical flange '7 at the other end of the block, with which it merges. Each flange (3 is provided on its under face with a horizontal groove 8, in which a hoop is adapted to be received.

In constructing the silo, the blocks 1 of the bottom course are positioned in desired circular formation, with the convex end surfaces 2 on one block positioned within corresponding recess 3 at the adjacent end of the next block. With this construction all of the vertical ribs 7 will. extend forwardly, as is indicated, for example, in Fig. 2. To aid in, securing the blocks of each course together, vertical channels 9 are preferably formed at the outer ends of the concave surfaces 2 so that cement or the like may be placed in the channels thus formed when the blocks of a course are positioned in the desired circular arrangement.

The blocks of the bottom course being positioned, the blocks of the course next above the same are laid, the upwardly curved exi tensions 4: of the bottom blocks fitting within recesses fi'of the blocks immediately above thesame The blocks of the various courses above the second will'be laid in the same manner, the projection 4 of each block fitting within the recess 5 of the block immediatelyabove the same, and various contacting surfaces of adjacent blocks being cemented together.

A continuous doorway may be provided, as is indicated at 10 in Fig. 1, the door frame preferably being provided by the vertically alined end'flanges 'Z'of the blocks each side of the doorway. Any desired form of removable door construction may be mounted i within the doorway thus formed. The hoops 11:are extended aroundthe silo at various levels. -These hoops, for example, may be positioned in alinement with the horizontal joints formed between each alternate pair of vertical courses as is indicated in Fig. 1. Assuming, for example, that ahoop is to be positioned aroundthe silo on a level with the upper surface 12'of each block of the bottom course, referring to Figs. 1 and l, the hoop will be supported on the top surface of each forwardly extending vertical flange 7, and will be received within the horizontal groove 8 of the flange or lip (3 of the blocks of the next course above the same. When the blocks are positioned, the

flanges or lips 6 will form a practically continuous alined horizontal flange entirely around the silo, except for the space provided by the doorway opening.

The hoops when so arranged will be entirely protected by the flanges (3 from the rain and weather. The flanges (i will also strengthen and stiffen the blocks at the points at which the same have been wcale ened by the formation of the 18CCsSL--; The vertical flanges 7 provide masses of material in which the vertical recesses '3 may be formed without weaking the structure: they also provide surfaces on which the hoops 11 are supported, and still'cn and strengthen the construction generally.

Each hoop, resting on the top surfaces 12 of the vertical ribs '7 of a course of blocks. will, bear against the Outside edges of tho convex surfaces 2 of the course of hlochs immediately above the same. ll: is pl'ci'crable, however, to distribute the pressure of the hoops more evenly over the surface of the blocks. Accordingly l profembl provide ,the blocks 1, that is. the blocks of each course below a hoop, with integral forwardly extending horizontal flanges 1 which extend in approximate alinement with the base portion of the upward CXl'tllt lkllh -l of the blocks. The outer or forward surfaces of these lugs or flanges 13 are given a curvature, as is indicated in Fig. 4-. which may be approximately the curvature assumed by the hoop in extending entirely around the circular or otherwise curved complete structure. \Vith this arrangement. the hoops will bear against the forward faces of the lugs 13, substantially throughout the lengths of the lugs. and will also press against the convex end surfaces 2 of the blocks of the course immediately above the same.

The doorway 10 should be provided with Spreaders, to complete the same. These Spreaders may be of any usual or desired character. I have illustrated tubes or bipo sections 14:, which may be mounted in po ition between the vertical flanges 7 (oilslltilting the side frames of the doorway opcn ing, the hoops 11 being illustrated as extending through the tubes ll. Obviously. different forms of sprcaders may he u-ed if desired and it is not essential that the hoops should extend through the same. or across the doorway opening. The hoops may take the form of round iron members, or of cables or the likeas desired.

1 have illustrated in Figs. land 8 a modified form of block which ma; be used. this construction being the same as that previously illustrated except that the vertical end flanges 7 are omitted. As is shown Hill lllr

lll)

block l may be provided with a convexly curved end surface 2 at one end and with the coneavely curved vertical recess 3 formed in the rear edge at the other end. The block illustrated is also provided with an upwardly projecting portion 4% at the top and with the recess 5 extending upwardly from its lower surface. The forwardly and downwardly extending horizontal flange 6 extends from the base of the convexly curved tongue or end portion 2*, completely to the other end of the block, so that the horizontal flanges 6 of all of. the blocks in a horizontalv course will abut against each other end to end, so that all of the grooves 8 formed in the bottom surfaces of the flanges, will form a practically con tinuous groove or channel in which a hoop may be mounted. lVith this construction it is advisable that the blocks which are arranged immediately at each side of the doorway opening be provided with vertical flanges 7 on their ends which are adjacent to theopening, to form a doorway frame in the same manner as has been previously de scribed in connection with Fi 1.

It is advisable that the channels 8 or 8 should be outwardly curved in a horizontal plane to correspond to the curvature of the front surfaces of lugs 13, so that the hoops, which extend around the circular structure can lie comfortably between the front surfaces of lugs 13 and the front walls of the grooves or channels 8 or 8 It will be noted that with the construction described each hoop bears against the lugs 13 of the blocks of one course, that is to say, against the front surfaces of the upward projection 4 of said blocks, and also against the lower portions of the convex ends of the blocks of the course immediately above the *ame. By this construction the pressure of the hoops against the blocks is more uniformly distributed than if the hoops bore against the end portions only of the blocks, and at the same time the pressure of each hoop is exerted against the blocks of two superposed courses. a

It should be understood that my invention is not limited strictly to the details of construction described but is as broad as is indicated by the accompanying claims.

hat I claim is:

1. In a silo, the combination of blocks arranged in courses, said blocks having in terlocking projections and recesses, all of the blocks of certain courses having alined horizontal flanges formed on their outer surfaces, extending outwardly from the body of the silo, and removable hoops extending about the silo, and in contact with the outer surface of the same, immediately below said flanges. i

2. In a silo, the combination of molded blocks arranged in courses, and having problocks" cent their ends, and hoops jections and corresponding recesses at their vertical and horizontal edges to form interlocking joints with each other, all of the blocks of certain courses having integral alined horizontal lips extending downwardly and outwardly, to form channels between the same and the body of the silo, and removable hoops mounted in said channels and contacting against the outer surface of the silo. In a silo, the combination of molded arranged in courses, having tongues and grooves attheir side edges to form vertical joints, the blocks of one course having ribs extending upwardly from their top surfaces intermediate their lengths, and the blocks of the next course above having their lower surfaces recessed to receive said ribs, the recesses extending entirely through said blocks from front to back, the blocks of said upper course having downwardly and outwardly extending integral portions in front of the recesses, said integral portions having horizontal channels formed therein, and a removable hoopmounted in said channels.

a. In a silo, the combination of molded blocks arranged in courses, and having projections and corresponding recesses at their vertical and horizontal edges to form interlocking joints with each other, all of the blocks of certain courses having integral alined horizontal lips extending downwardly and outwardly, with horizontal channels extending upwardly from the lower surfaces thereof, and all of the blocks of the courses immediately below said courses having forwardly extending projections adjamounted in said channels beneath said lips and resting on said last named projections.

In a silo, the combinatioi'i of blocks arranged in courses, said blocks having interlocking projections and recesses formed at their tops and bottoms, all of the blocks of certain courses having alined horizontal flanges formed on their outer surfaces, and hoops extending about the silo immediately below said flanges, arranged to bear against the said. projections of the blocks of the courses below the blocks having said flanges and against the end portion of the blocks having said flanges.

6, Ina silo, thecombination of blocks arranged in courses, said blocks having interlocking projections and recesses formed at their tops and bottoms, said projections and recesses beingof lengths less than those of said blocks, said blocks having convexly curved vertical end portions, and hoops ex tending about the silo, each hoop being arranged to bear against the outer faces of said projections of the blocks of one course and against the outer surfaces of said vertical end portions of the blocks of the next course, horizontally alined therewith.

7. In a silo, the combination of blocks ar ranged in courses, having interlocking. projections and recesses, certain of said blocks having vertical forwardly directed flanges at one end of each and all of the blocks of certain courses having horizontal forwardly directed flanges adjacent their lower eeges, and hoops extending about the silo, resting on. some of said vertical flanges and protected from the rain by said horizontal flanges.

8. In a. silo, the combination of blocks arranged in courses to form a complete silo with a vertical doorway opening therein, the blocks adjacent said opening having alined vertical outwardly projecting flanges at one. edge of each to form the doorway frame, the blocks of certain courses having integral alined horizontal flanges on the outer surfaces thereof, and hoops extending about the silo immediately below said flanges and resting on some of said vertical flanges.

9. In a silo, the combination of blocks arranged in horizontal courses, each block having a vertical outwardly projecting enlargement atone end with a vertical recess of concave section formed in the inner surface and entirely through the block from front to back of said enlargement, and a convexly curved vertical surface at the other end, said convexly curved end portions fitting within said vertical recesses, said convexly curved end portions having vertical channels formed therein, and cement in said channels.

10. In a silo, a molded block having a body portion with a convexly curved vertical portion at one side edge, a forwardly projecting vertical flange at the other side edge, with concavely curved vertical recess formed in the side edge at the rear thereof, and a recess extending upwardly from the bottom surface of said body portion, and a horizontal flange extending outwardly and downwardly from the front surface of said body portion, to cover said upwardly ex tending recess, said flange joinin said ver tical flange at one end of the blOt'K.

11. In a silo. a molded block having a vertical tongue of curved section at one end, a vertical recess of corresponding section at the other end, a curved extension projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the block intermediate its ends and a horizontal lug extending forwardly from the front surface of the bloclr. in alinenient with the base of said upwardly projecting extension, the forward surface of said lug being eonvexl curved in a horizontal plane.

This specification signed and witnessed this 8 day of April, 1920.

ENOS F. SCHLICHIER.

\Vitnesses H. W. SiMoNs, l lwnvnv T. Scnmcn'ricn.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,367,329, granted February 1,

1921, upon the application of Enos F. Schlichter, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for an improvement in Silos, an error appears in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 4 lines 27-28, claim 9, strike out the Words and entirely through the block from front to back; and that the said Letters Patent should be read With this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 15th day of March, A. D., 1921.

[SEAL] M. H. COULSTON,

Cl. 7 2-6. Commissioner of Patents. 

